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Influences of trees on abundance of natural enemies of insect pests: a review

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Abstract

In this article we review the use of natural enemies in crop pest management and describe research needed to better meet information needs for practical applications. Endemic natural enemies (predators and parasites) offer a potential but understudied approach to controlling insect pests in agricultural systems. With the current high interest in environmental stewardship, such an approach has special appeal as a method to reduce the need for pesticides while maintaining agricultural profitability. Habitat for sustaining populations of natural enemies occurs primarily at field edges where crops and edge vegetation meet. Conservation and enhancement of natural enemies might include manipulation of plant species and plant arrangement, particularly at these edges; and consideration of optimum field sizes, number of edges, and management practices in and near edges. Blending the benefits of agricultural and forestry (windbreak) systems is one promising approach to field edge management that has additional benefits of wind protection and conservation of desirable wildlife species.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Semiarid Agroforestry, USDA Forest Service, 28583-0822, Lincoln, NE, USA

    M. E. Dix & M. M. Schoeneberger

  2. Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Nebraska, 68583, Lincoln, NE, USA(UNL)

    R. J. Johnson, M. O. Harrell, R. M. Case, J. R. Brandle, N. J. Sunderman & R. L. Fitzmaurice

  3. Department of Entomology, South Central Research and Extension Center, 68933, Clay Center, NE, USA

    R. J. Wright

  4. Department of Horticulture, University of Nebraska, 68583, Lincoln, NE, USA

    L. Hodges

  5. Department of Biometrics, University of Nebraska, 68583, Lincoln, NE, USA

    L. J. Young

  6. Department of Agricultural Meteorology, University of Nebraska, 68583, Lincoln, NE, USA

    K. G. Hubbard

Authors
  1. M. E. Dix
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  2. R. J. Johnson
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  3. M. O. Harrell
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  4. R. M. Case
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  5. R. J. Wright
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  6. L. Hodges
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  7. J. R. Brandle
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  8. M. M. Schoeneberger
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  9. N. J. Sunderman
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  10. R. L. Fitzmaurice
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  11. L. J. Young
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  12. K. G. Hubbard
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Additional information

Journal series 10549 of the Agriculture Research Division, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This material was prepared with the support of USDA Agreement 91-COOP-1-6592 for the USDA/EPA Program, Agriculture in Concert with the Environment. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the US Department of Agriculture or the US Environmental Protection Agency.

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Dix, M.E., Johnson, R.J., Harrell, M.O. et al. Influences of trees on abundance of natural enemies of insect pests: a review. Agroforest Syst 29, 303–311 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00704876

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